The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.
Featuring an opulent setting in the heart of Louisville, The Brown Hotelis a historic property with Georgian-Revival style and Southern charm. Situated about four miles from the famous Churchill Downs, the luxury hotel offers a variety of guest rooms and suites, including the exclusive Muhammad Ali Suite. Named after the city's famous son, and dedicated in 2001 by "The Greatest" himself, this suite provides an elegant setting in shades of gold and black. Showcased throughout the suite are signed pieces of Ali memorabilia, photos, and boxing gloves. There's a dining room with wood floors and a crystal chandelier, plus a separate living room with wet bar.
Available as a one or two bedroom suite, the master suite features a mahogany four-poster king bed. Within the adjacent master bathroom, guests will find a grand space with a marble Jacuzzi tub.
The Brown Hotel is a landmark building in downtown Louisville, situated at the corners of Fourth and Broadway. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel recently completed a $12 million renovation, restoring the grand hotel and elevating the property with contemporary luxuries, new furniture, lighting, and carpet. Across from the Brown Theater, the property is close to the Palace Theater, Kentucky International Convention Center, and about 4 miles from Churchill Downs.
Known as "Music City, U.S.A." Nashville is the home of Country Music. The famous honky-tonks along Broadway are known for live music from morning until late at night by talented performers with big dreams, along with surprise appearances of some of the music industry's biggest names. The Ryman Auditorium, known as the "Mother Church of Country Music" is an iconic red building just off Broadway that originally opened as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892. Later, it was the original home of the "Grand Ole Opry" and today it is a destination for intimate performance in a one-of-a-kind setting known for out-of-this-world acoustics. Throughout the city there's a number of museums and attractions dedicated to preserving the history of the city's music industry including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, RCA's Studio B, The Johnny Cash Museum, and the Patsy Cline Museum.
But there's much more to Nashville beyond the music industry. History enthusiasts can explore a variety of sites including Belle Meade Plantation (complete with a winery), Civil War Battlefields near Franklin, and Andrew Jackson's Hermitage provides guests the experience to go back in time to visit the former president's entire estate. Love wine? There's vineyards and tasting rooms nearby. Interested in seeing a full-size replica of the Parthenon? There's one right in the Nashville city limits.
And of course there's the food scene in Nashville. As the city expands, so does the choice of restaurants. From long-time local favorites like the Loveless Cafe and Puckett's serving classic Southern dishes, to new Southern cuisine at The Southern, to fusion dining options and culinary experiences, Nashville offers foodies a one-of-a-kind destination.
When visiting Nashville, there's a variety of luxury hotels throughout the city. For those attending events at the Bridgestone or Music City Center, or looking to take in live music at Broadway's honky-tonks, downtown and SoBro hotels offer ideal locations. If the food scene and luxury boutiques is of interest, The Gulch is a prime location situated right between downtown and Music Row. While the Vanderbilt area is close to Music Row's publishing houses and recording studios, as well as multiple universities and Vanderbilt Hospital.
Located in "The Gulch", the trendy and upscale neighborhood set between downtown and Music Row,Thompson Nashville is a modern boutique hotel. Offering guestrooms and suites that mix contemporary, industrial, and classic design, the hotel provides a residential feel. Steps from some of the city's top restaurants, boutiques, and condominiums, the chic retreat is around the corner from the iconic Station Inn. The Marsh House Restaurant serves Southern-infused seafood specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus the rooftop L.A. Jackson has small plates, crafted cocktails, indoor and outdoor seating, and a see-and-be-seen environment.
Situated in SoBro, the Omni Nashville is connected via an indoor walkway to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Throughout the hotel there is an array of locally-produced artwork, guestrooms and suites have Nashville-infused decor, and the heated outdoor pool is open year-round with stunning skyline views. There's three on-site dining options ranging from the casual Kitchen Notes with modern Southern cuisine, Bob's Steak and Chop House with a music-infused classic steakhouse setting, and Barlines with live music, gourmet bar foods, and a cocktail menu highlighting Tennessee libations.
Since opening in 1910, The Hermitage (named in honor of Andrew Jackson's estate) has been an iconic destination in downtown Nashville for traditions, weddings, political, and social events. Offering elegant Southern style, guestrooms and suites have an average of 500 square feet, as well as traditional furnishings with dark woods and gold accents. The hotel's Capitol Grille is a destination restaurant known for creative interpretations of Southern specialties, while the adjacent Oak Bar has Nashville's largest collection of bourbons.
Offering fully-equipped Writer's Rooms and creative spaces, Hutton Hotel is a boutique hotel in Nashville's West End neighborhood. Close too Music Row and Vanderbilt University, the property provides guests with an immersive journey into the city's music industry with the 5,000-square-foot Analog music and cocktail lounge (shown above). For dining, the WestEnd bar and restaurant serves innovative Southern cuisine, and recently redesigned guestrooms and suites have residential styling, granite bathrooms, and Triumph & Disaster bath amenities.
Situated within the historic Gray & Dudley building, 21c Museum Hotel Nashville offers reimagined spaces with contemporary guestrooms and suites, including rooftop suites with outdoor terraces. Located along 2nd Avenue in downtown, the property is set amidst dining and nightlife destinations, including Broadway's honky-tonks. There's a contemporary art museum within the common areas of the hotel, providing more than 10,500 square feet of exhibition and event space, plus the Gray & Dudley restaurant and bar by executive chef Levon Wallace.
Recently I had the opportunity to stay at the Omni Nashville. Offering an ideal location in downtown's "SoBro" (South of Broadway) neighborhood, the luxury hotel is connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and directly across the street from the Music City Center. Read more below the photo of the view from the Omni Nashville.
From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the reception staff and the luxurious, yet approachable feel of the spacious lobby with multiple lounge areas, including one cozy space with a gas fireplace. Check-in was fast, and I was immediately wowed by the view of downtown when I walked into my room (1929). Read more below the photo of the in-room view.
My guestroom on the 19th floor provided a Nashville-infused retreat with local artwork throughout the room, a spacious work desk, and sitting area with panoramic city views. Throughout the entire room there were electrical plug-ins, making it easy to charge a phone or electric device whether on the couch, in the plush king bed, or at the desk. Continue reading below the photos of room 1929.
The bathroom was spacious with a vanity, large mirror, illuminated makeup mirror (ideal for getting ready for a night out in Music City) and a combination shower and bathtub. Read more below the photos of the bathroom.
There was also a coffee bar area with coffee and tea making essentials, as well as a minifridge for snacks and leftovers. Continue below the photo below.
Throughout my stay, I found the sitting area in the room to be one of my favorite features. In the morning, it was the perfect spot to sit and enjoy coffee (delivered complimentary to my room as part of the Omni Select Guest Program). After a day of exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and downtown, the sitting area was a comfortable place to relax and sip a glass of wine while enjoying the Nashville view. Read more below the photos.
Beyond guestrooms and suites, the Omni Nashville offers an array of on-site amenities. On the first floor of the hotel there's direct indoor access to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the Five & TENN boutique with jewelry, fashions, and accessories crafted by local artisans, plus local food products and sundries. Lining the cooridor between the hotel and museum, there are large display cases with Music City-related displays from museums like the Patsy Cline Museum, as well as Hatch Show Print--a working letterpress shop that creates hundreds of posters and signs per year, where guests can take a tour, watch the artists in action through large windows, or purchase a poster to take home. Feeling lost? Throughout the entire property there are interactive digital screens to guide guests in the right direction. Continue reading below the photo of Five & TENN boutique.
Care for a swim? There's an outdoor heated rooftop pool that is open year-round with stunning city views and lounge chairs. During the warmer months there's a full-service bar and restaurant on the pool deck, and in the cooler months there's a firepit where guests can gather round. Read more below the pool photo.
Just inside the doors from the pool area, there is a large fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a variety of cardio machines and strength training equipment. Down the hall on the same floor is the Mokara Spa providing a variety of massages, treaments, salon, and beauty services.
There's also a variety of dining options within the hotel, including Kitchen Notes, serving three meals a day with a modern Southern menu and comfortable atmosphere. I started my day with Brunch at Kitchen Notes, which offered a delicious meal featuring made-to-order omelettes, Biscuit Bar, waffles, yogurt, fruit, ham, and more. There was also an a la carte menu option, as well as signature cocktails available. Read more below the Biscuit Bar photo.
For an afternoon pick-me-up, Bongo Java is the hotel's coffee shop with a stylish setting, locally-roasted espresso, handcrafted beverages, baked items, and snacks. Continue reading below the photo.
Ready for a special dinner? Bob's Steak & Chop House offers a discreet setting tucked behind doors just off the lobby with round booths, classic steakhouse fare, and extensive wine list (with an impressive glass-enclosed cellar in the center of the dining room). Read more below the photo.
But one of my favorite features of the hotel is Barlines. Mixing aspects of a honky-tonk and a sports bar, Barlines offers live music seven nights a week, along with large screens for watching big games, a menu of Southern-infused comfort foods, and a drink list highlighting Tennessee libations. During the warmer months, the doors to the patio open letting breezes in, and the outdoor patio along 5th Avenue provides a unique setting for listening to the live music inside Barlines while looking at the lights of Music City.
Steps from Bridgestone Arena, and two blocks from Broadway's famous honky-tonks, the Omni Nashville is an ideal location for travelers wanting to be within walking distance of major attractions like the Ryman Auditorium, The Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It's also right across the street from the Music City Center, and the property has 80,000 square feet of meeting and event space (including a theater) on two dedicated floors, making it a centralized location for business travelers as well.
Set within a former church, The LINE DC is a luxury boutique hotel with a community radio station broadcasting live from the lobby, two unique bars with eclectic nightlife experiences, and three restaurants serving dishes infused with flavors from around the world. Located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, guestrooms and suites have sweeping views of Washington, D.C., while the hotel's rooftop has panoramas of the Washington National Cathedral and Washington Monument. Continue reading below the photo.
Providing an ideal destination for foodies, The LINE DC's restaurants are led by two James Beard-recognized chefs, Spike Gjerde of Baltimore's Woodberry Kitchen and Erik-Bruner-Yang of Maketto. At A Rake's Progress, guests can experience Spike Gjerde's mix of Southern cuisine paired with locally-sourced Chesapeake ingredients. While just off the lobby at Brothers and Sisters, visitors can select from an all-day menu of Erik Bruner-Yang's American classics prepared with Taiwanese and Japanese style, or try a reimagined high tea experience in the East Parlour Tea. For an intimate exprience, Spoken English by Erik Bruner-Yang is a 10-seat venue with an Asian-inspired tasting menu served family style. Read more below the photo.
For entertainment the community radio station, Full Service Radio (created by Jack Inslee the world's pioneer food radio station) broadcasts live from the lobby. Covering a range of topics including politics, food, comedy, art, and music, the radio station has about three dozen local hosts. In the evenings the hotel offers live music nightly, and guests have two bar options within the hotel: A Rake's Bar serves cocktails infused innovative with ingredients curated from innovative distillers, and Brothers and Sisters Bar is led by a celebrated bartender and sommelier with a menu of classic American and International cocktails.
Perched on the 21st floor, the Performer Suite at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel offers panoramic views of downtown Minneapolis. Designed for rock stars and VIPs, the suite has a circular, acoustically correct Corinthian Leather alcove with a baby grand piano, as well as three plasma TVs and a sound system. There's an office, living room with artwork featuring Minnesota-born Prince, and dining room with a wet bar, plus a private in-suite fitness center. The bedroom has a custom-made King Bed, and the bathroom has a double vanity and 5-head massage shower. Read more about the hotel below the photo of the Performer Suite.
Connected to the Target Center via skyway, Loews Minneapolis Hotel offers a central location in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, steps from Target Field, the entertainment district, and corporate offices. (Editor's note: Loews is an ideal location for guests going to concerts or games at either Target Center or Target Field, as the skyway provides indoor, climate-controlled access to both venues.) The luxury hotel has award-winning dining at Cosmos, the Apothecary Bar & Lounge with crafted cocktails and small plates, as well as the Relevé Champagne and wine bar. Guestrooms and suites were recently renovated, and the Embury Spa provides a range of treatments.
Happy National Pumpkin Day! In honor of this day infused with pumpkin spice, jack-o-lanterns, and a celebration of this favorite gourd, we've pulled together three luxury hotels offering special seasonal pumpkin-infused amenities.
This oceanfront luxury resort is situated in the World Pumpkin Capital. For a limited time, the property is offering the signature One Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Facial, featuring a 100% natural plant-based pumpkin enzyme masque, high in beta carotene and Vitamins A and C. In addition to the special spa offering, the Santa Cruz Coffee Company will be serving the Ultimate Pumpin Spice Latte at the resort through Halloween. Want to experience it all? The resort is offering a Pumpkin Experience package that includes the facial, pumpkin pastry, and a one night stay.
The Asheville resort is celebrating Halloween October 27-29, 2017 with pumpkin carving contests where guests can view the entries and vote on their favorites, plus Halloween crafts, children's activities, scavenger hunts, guided history tours, a hot cider station on the front porch, and the Autumn Abundance Champagne Brunch on Sunday, October 29.
The Spa at Keswick is offering the Pumpkin Perfect Fall Special, which includes a 30-minute massage enhanced with autumn scents, and a 30-minute warm foot massage. For children, there's also a Kids' Costume Bash on Friday, October 27.
Transporting guests back to the days of the Belle Epoque, Prestige Suites at the InterContinental Carlton Cannes are perched on the seventh floor of the hotel. Overlooking the Mediterranean with parquet floors and elegant lounge areas, the one- and two-bedroom suites are named after prominent celebrities with strong ties to the region. One of the lavish suites is the Sean Connery Suite with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private elevator, marble floors, fine wood furniture, and a spacious sea-facing terrace. Continue below the Sean Connery Suite photo.
The elegant Grace Kelly Suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a private salon with a unique design that provides the feel of being on a private yacht. There's a large terrace with panoramic Mediterranean vistas, and a glamorous dining room. Read more below the photo of the suite.
Named after one of the finest stars of French cinema, the Sophie Marceau Suite is an elegant space with sumptuous fabrics in shades of cream, parquet floors, broad sofas, and relaxing sun-filled terrace. There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a spacious lounge area and dining room. Continue reading below the photo of the Sophie Marceau Suite.
The Alain Delon Suite honors a monumental French cinema star. Offering a modern and timeless setting, the suite has a lounge area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. There's also an outdoor terrace providing partial sea views. Read more below the photo of the suite.
The InterContinental Carlton is located on the famed La Croisette Boulevard. Featuring a Belle Epoque facade, the historic hotel was built in 1911 and inaugurated in 1913. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the property has a private sandy beach, fine dining, elegant ballroom, and a centralized location close to the Cannes Palais des Festivals and the shopping district.
For a limited time, the Nolinski Paris is offering guests a special portrait session package with the famous Studio Harcourt. For more than 80 years, the photography studio's black and white portraits have been celebrated worldwide, with an array of well-known clients including kings, queens, and Hollywood elite. Learn more about the special offer below the photo.
From July 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, hotel guests can book the Nolinski Paris Prestige Session Special Offer*:
- Solo Portrait for €1,595 instead of €1,995
- Duo Portrait for €1,985 instead of €2,480
- Family Portrait for €2,400 instead of €3,000
*Price includes the session and printing of the portrait. Valid through March 31, 2018.
Prestige Sessions provide a unique experience evoking the glamour of the greatest film stars. Sessions include professional makeup and photography, along with an artistic black and white portrait. Guests should contact the concierge via email: [email protected] to check availability and schedule a Studio Harcourt session. Continue reading below the photo.
The Nolinski Paris opened in July 2016. Just a few steps from the Comedie Française, the Louvre Museum, and the Palais Royal Gardens, The Nolinski offers a prime location to discover Paris. From bright, luminous rooms and a mineral spa, to the Réjane brasserie and the hushed tones of the Grand Salon, each space is an invitation to let the senses roam and emotions rise.
Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests that book through Five Star Alliance receive a welcome pastry or appetizer, as well as a personalized note from management.
Nestled within a turn of the century Beaux Arts building, The NoMad Hotel was masterfully restored by renowned French designer Jacques Garcia. Situated in the neighborhood just north of Madison Square Park, the Manhattan luxury hotel is close to the Flatiron District and Gramercy Park. Featuring a boutique style setting, the elegant property's 168 guest rooms evoke a residential feel with custom-designed furnishings and original artwork, while public spaces have soaring ceilings and gathering places. The hotel's restaurant serves casually-elegant food and beverages by Chef Daniel Humm and Restauranteur Will Guidara, founders of the critically acclaimed Michelin three-star rated Eleven Madison Park.
In addition to New York-infused environment, The NoMad offers guests unique experiences within the hotel and restaurant, including the NoMad Summer Lobster Fest. Available in the main dining room from June 1 to Labor Day, the five course lobster event offers a communal gourmet dining experience, with optional beverage pairings. Plus, the Sundays-only Mamma Guidara's prix-fixe dinner is a celebration of NYC's "red sauce" Italian joints. Continue reading below the photo.
Additional events include "The Magician" interactive experience showcasing the art of magic, illusion, and deception, along with the Black Tie Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
May The Fourth Be With You! While Rogue One: A Star Wars Story may take place in a galaxy far, far away, fans can visit some of the filming locations to enjoy the other worldly scenery. From the deserts of Jordan to the black sand beaches of Iceland, and the allure of the Maldives, these destinations offer much to be explore (and seriously instagram-worthy vistas). Here are three luxury hotel destinations sure to inspire a journey to remember.
The desert of Jordan is the fictional home of the planet Jedha. The Moevenpick Nabatean Castle overlooks the Great Rift Valley, and is a short drive from the gates of the historic city of Petra. The hotel provides a luxurious setting with the Al Madafa restaurant with a large terrace and fountain, plus guest rooms and suites with private terraces and balconies. On the garden level there's an indoor pool surrounded by windows that open to the terrace during the summer months, providing an ideal place to relax while taking in the surrounding views.
Gan, one of the largest islands in the Maldives served as the backdrop for scenes that took place on the planet Scarif. The Six Senses Laamu on the Laamu Atoll, Maldives offers a chic and eco-friendly setting with overwater villas. The restaurants serve organic and locally grown produce, and the property's Six Senses GEMS (Guest Experience Makers) help guests maximize their visit to the island.
Parts of the movie were filmed in multiple areas of Iceland. Scenes on Planet Eadu were shot on the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and others were shot by Krafla's volcanic crater. The Diamond Suites is located on the top floor of the Hotel Keflavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Just a short drive from the Blue Lagoon and hot springs, this luxury hotel offers an exclusive location with individually style suites offering high end amenities such as in-room Macs, Bang & Olufsen TVs, and Versace marble floors.
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